The Jewish community is reeling from the death of Paul Kessler, a 69-year-old Jewish man, who died following an alleged assault at a Pro-Palestinian rally in Thousand Oaks, CA on Sunday. According to the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office, an autopsy determined "the cause of death to be blunt force head injury and the manner of death homicide." The Ventura County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating the incident, and the Federation’s leadership and Community Security Initiative (CSI) are in communication with law enforcement. Investigators have “not ruled out the possibility of a hate crime," Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff said. Kessler's death is a tragic loss at a time of increased antisemitic incidents around the country. Our hearts and prayers go out to Kessler's family. May his memory be for a blessing.

If you need to report an incident or suspicious activity at a Jewish site, please contact CSI. In the email, include the name of the specific location and the date, time, and details of what occurred. If you have photos or footage, please include them.

In Solidarity, In Strength Webinar

Campus Antisemitism: Supporting our Jewish Students 

Action Alert: Urge Your Federal Leaders to Support Israel Today!

DEMAND FOLLOW THROUGH OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AND US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Last week Jewish leaders met with the U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and other top officials to discuss the rise in campus antisemitism and express the fear that many Jewish students are experiencing. Leaders provided concrete recommendations to the Department of Education to address the spike in antisemitism. Let your leaders know you expect to see follow through! 

2. Condemn Campus Antisemitism

CALL ON THE SENATE TO ACT SWITFTY AND WITH URGENCY

Last week the U.S. House of Representatives passed a plan to provide Israel with $14.3 billion in aid. The bill must still make its way through the Senate and be approved by the White House. Urge your leaders to swiftly create and pass this important bill! 

URGE REPRESENTATIVES TO FIGHT FOR THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF HOSTAGES



More than 200 hostages captured from within Israel are believed to be held captive in Gaza by Hamas. Among the hostages are innocent women, children, babies, and Holocaust survivors. Leaders must continue to do everything in their power to ensure the safe release of the hostages so they can return home. No hostage can be left behind.

JFedLA Launches Campus Impact Network

Since the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel, antisemitism has been rampant on college campuses. Jewish students across the country have been bullied, harassed, and physically assaulted simply for being Jewish. To support local Jewish students, JFedLA recently launched the Campus Impact Network (CIN), a critical new initiative of the Community Engagement Department. To help lead CIN, JFedLA is hired Jasmine Beroukhim, a recent graduate of UCLA, as the Sylvia Price Campus Impact Network Program Manager.

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Sylvia Price on November 7th. May her memory be for a blessing and may her legacy live on through CIN's critical work.

Upcoming Events

One People, One Heart. Solidarity with Israel.

Join the Jewish Federation, Sinai Temple, and community partners standing in solidarity with Israel on Sunday, November 19th at 6:00pm at Sinai Temple. Hear from diverse voices, including interfaith leaders and elected officials.

True Colors

As part of United Against Hate week, please join the Jewish Federation, LA vs Hate, and Brotherhood Crusade for True Colors, a showcase of true stories performed by Jews of Color actors, sharing their yearning for belonging and the rich and complicated question of identity.

Through the Jewish Federation's Community Engagement Initiative, we bring together leaders from different backgrounds and perspectives to learn and work together on important issues in Los Angeles and Israel, promoting civil discourse and helping the Federation strengthen our community.

Learn more at www.jewishla.org/engaging-our-community.

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